FEATURES

More Than Just National Service

The roles of Full-time Police National Servicemen (PNSF) have evolved over the years. Today, the PNSFs work alongside regular officers to fight crime and maintain law and order. To further enhance their National Service (NS) experience and to make their NS stint more purposeful and meaningful, PNSFs are now given the opportunity to assume leadership and specialist positions. Given their many contributions to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), it is only befitting that the PNSFs’ achievements and accolades are celebrated by their peers and loved ones.

To mark the completion of the Police National Service (PNS) Basic Training Course for the 171st intake of PNSF trainees, a Graduation Parade was held on 12 July 2018 at the Home Team Academy. Graced by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, the parade also saw the presentation of awards to outstanding trainees. At the event, four officers from different vocations were each accorded the NSF of the Year Award for their exceptional contributions and commitment during their NS stint. Police Life also caught up with the PNS Statuette Award recipient, the overall best trainee in this intake, who shared with us his hopes and expectations for his next phase of NS life.

As a Deputy Team Leader in TransCom managing over 170 PNSFs, I assist the Team Leader in the execution of my team’s shift work plans, performing supervisory checks on officers on patrols. In addition to my job scope, I also join my team on patrols.

What is the most memorable case you have worked on?

Definitely the first arrest with my team! Upon receiving information about a suspect who may be involved in an outrage of modesty case, we quickly linked up with the investigation officer assigned to this case. Travel patterns of the suspect were established as we began to work out details for the ambush. As this was my first time being involved in an investigation, it was nerve-wracking but also exciting. With the guidance from more experienced officers, it helped to make me feel more assured and confident of what needed to be done. Eventually, the ambush operation went as planned and the suspect was detained.

What challenges did you face in your course of duty?

I have never had such a big responsibility in my life! Managing a team of 170 PNSFs was definitely my biggest challenge. Everyone had their unique personalities. It was not easy to understand every single one of them and to address their needs. Further, all of us are performing duties that are crucial in the safety and security of our people. Thus, it was important to better understand them by trying to see things from their perspectives before I could seek out suitable solutions. I was also thankful for the guidance that I have received from my supervisors and seniors which had helped me a lot in the management of my team.

What was the one valuable lesson you learnt throughout your NS stint with SPF?

During my NS stint, I had the opportunity to experience the different facets of policing work. When I was deployed on the ground, I met people from all walks of life. I learnt how to handle situations in a calm and composed manner, without being too quick to pass judgements. Often, there is more that lies behind what we see on the surface. When you don on the police uniform, the public expects your

highest level of professionalism, regardless of whether you are an NSF or a regular.

My core duty is to conduct patrols to prevent, deter and detect crime. In the course of my duty, I am also the first responder to any incident and crime scene. When I arrive at an incident location or crime scene, I have to take precaution and follow Police procedures to ensure that the incident has been dealt with appropriately, including the preservation of the crime scene to facilitate further investigations.

What is the most memorable case you have worked on?

I have attended to family disputes, traffic accidents and even a false alarm about a gunman incident at a hospital! While all these cases were memorable in their own ways, there was a particular incident that stands out for me. I had to learn how to communicate with a deaf person on the spot in order to guide him home. He was brought to me by a commuter who sought my help. Having never learnt sign language, I had to figure out quickly how to effectively communicate with the person. Eventually, I managed to communicate with him through typing the message on my mobile phone and showing it to him. This incident was particularly memorable not only for the learning experience but also from the gratitude that I had received from that man. With no words being said, I can truly feel the appreciation from the man’s expression. I think you can also call this a truly “heartfelt” appreciation.

How did you feel when you were notified about the award?

It was honestly unexpected and exhilarating for me. WhenI was serving NS, my focus was to carry out my workdiligently and to stay out of trouble until the day I completedmy service. Nonetheless, I am grateful for my teamleader’s guidance which also helped me in successfullyapprehending perpetrators and receiving complimentsfrom members of the public during my NS stint.

What kept you going at work?

My team was always there to inspire me to work harder and to be the best officer that I can be. Although we had our individual roles and responsibilities, we managed to work together effectively by fulfilling our respective duties well. Teamwork was at its best! Seeing how hardworking and committed my teammates were in carrying out their duties, certainly motivated me to work harder.

I was shocked but happy to get this award. Receiving the PNS Statuette Award is a huge honour as it means that you are the overall best trainee in your entire intake! To be able to receive this award is definitely not easy. Several components, such as leadership qualities within your squad, law and order knowledge, marksmanship and physical fitness, were taken into account for the assessment for the award.

What challenges did you face?

The main challenge which I faced together with my team was having to adapt to the regimental lifestyle. Fresh out of school, many of us were used to a more carefree and flexible lifestyle. For me, my stint as a National Cadet Corps in secondary school has trained me to better cope with NS life. However, helping the others to adapt was tough. There were times when the morale of my team was low, but through mutual encouragements and pep talks, we managed to pull through together.

What motivated you to strive for the best?

I wanted my parents to be proud of me. They guided and supported me every step of the way and were always there for me when times get tough. I wanted to give them something to look back on and be proud of as part of my growing up.

Any particular posting you are looking forward to in your next phase of NS?

Definitely a frontline position! It would be cool to be posted to the Protective Security Command as I can play an active role to safeguard strategic events and locations during both peacetime and national emergency. But I am excited to see what lies ahead for me in the SPF.